In a significant move aimed at supporting student wellbeing, the University of Cambridge has announced that it will stop the automatic disclosure of students’ exam rankings, starting from the 2025 academic year. The decision comes after growing concerns over the high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout experienced by undergraduates, which have been linked to the university's long-standing tradition of publicly ranking academic performance.
The practice of ranking students, once seen as a way to motivate academic excellence, has in recent years come under scrutiny. A university-led review highlighted that this competitive environment was contributing to a culture of overwork and perfectionism, negatively impacting students' mental health and overall university experience.
By eliminating automatic ranking disclosures, Cambridge hopes to foster a more balanced and supportive academic culture—one that prioritizes learning, collaboration, and personal growth over constant competition. Students will still be able to access their rankings through academic supervisors, but only when necessary, such as for job applications or further study.
University officials emphasized that the change aligns with broader efforts to create a healthier, more inclusive academic environment. Cambridge joins a growing number of institutions worldwide that are rethinking traditional academic practices in order to better support student wellbeing and encourage a more sustainable approach to education.
This reform is part of a wider conversation about mental health in higher education, particularly in elite institutions where academic pressure can be intense. By taking this step, the University of Cambridge aims to lead by example and promote a more humane, balanced approach to academic success.
